Submitted

Mon, Jun 9th 2014 10:00 am

Marko
Topchii of Ukraine sweeps prizes in international event organized by WNED
ǀ WBFO and the BPO

Following Saturday's final round performance with
the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Marko Topchii of the Ukraine swept the top
prizes in the sixth biennial JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto
Competition.

Eight classical guitarists, representing seven
nations, competed last week in the competition, presented and produced
by WNED ǀ WBFO Buffalo-Toronto and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Topchii will receive a solo concert at the
prestigious series Incontri Musicali, (Musical Encounter) in Milan, Italy, in
April 2015 along with a $10,000 cash prize, a Carnegie Hall appearance, national
and international broadcast exposure, a guitar by Master Luthier J.D Glass, a
recording contract with Fleur de Son, and a return engagement with the BPO. He
also won the Audience Favorite Award, and the Musicians Award presented by BPO
concertmaster Michael Ludwig.

Topchii is 23 years old and has won more than 50
awards worldwide in professional international guitar competitions. His
concerto Saturday was Hector Villa-Lobos' Concerto pour Guitare et Petit
Orchestre. As Topchii received his award, the Buffalo Philharmonic brass
section performed the national anthem of his embattled home country as the
audience gave a standing ovation.

Ekachai Jearakul of Thailand placed second, and
received a $3,000 prize. Chad Ibison of the U.S. took third place and a $1,500
prize.

Buffalo-based Joanne Castellani and Michael
Andriaccio, a well-known international chamber ensemble duo, are the competition's
artistic directors. In addition to Castellani and Andriaccio, Dale Kavanagh,
Thomas Kirchhoff, Micaela Pittaluga, David Ostenberg and Ana Vidovic judged the
live competitions.

Founded in 2004 and organized by WNED ǀ WBFO and the
BPO, the competition is one of the foremost musical events in the world and the
first concerto competition for classical guitarists. It is named in honor of
the BPO's music director, JoAnn Falletta. For more information about the
competition, visit www.fallettacompetition.org.